What is sleep apnoea?
Sleep apnoea is a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops and restarts during sleep. The most common type, obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), occurs when the upper airway becomes blocked during sleep, reducing or stopping airflow.
Symptoms vary between people, and you may not notice some of the night-time signs yourself. A partner or family member may be the first person to notice unusual breathing or loud snoring.
Common signs during sleep
Loud or frequent snoring
Frequent loud snoring is a common symptom of OSA, but snoring by itself does not prove that someone has sleep apnoea. Some people snore without having OSA, while not everyone with OSA will present in exactly the same way.
Breathing that stops and starts
Witnessed pauses in breathing are an important symptom to discuss with a doctor. A bed partner may notice periods when breathing appears to stop and then restart.
Gasping or choking
Some people wake suddenly gasping for air or are observed making choking or gasping sounds during sleep.
Repeated awakenings, dry mouth or morning headache
Other reported symptoms can include disrupted sleep, waking with a dry mouth and morning headaches. These symptoms can have many possible causes, so they should be considered alongside the rest of your clinical history.
Symptoms during the day
Sleep-disordered breathing can affect how you feel while awake. The US National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute lists daytime sleepiness and tiredness among common symptoms, and notes that these can contribute to problems with learning, focusing and reacting.
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Persistent tiredness or low energy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling unrefreshed after sleep
Does having these symptoms mean I have sleep apnoea?
No. Symptoms can raise concern, but they are not a diagnosis. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine advises that questionnaires and prediction tools should not be used on their own to diagnose OSA. When OSA is suspected, objective sleep testing may be required as part of a comprehensive sleep evaluation.
When should I speak with a doctor?
Speak with a doctor if you have persistent or concerning sleep symptoms, especially witnessed breathing pauses, gasping or choking during sleep, frequent loud snoring combined with daytime sleepiness, or sleepiness that interferes with normal activities.
How are sleep-related breathing problems assessed?
A healthcare professional can review your symptoms, medical history and other risk factors and decide whether sleep testing is appropriate. Polysomnography records multiple physiological signals during sleep. Read our guide to sleep studies or learn about OYASUMI's Sleep Studies.